Symbolism in the Novrl'the Great Gatsby'

In general, symbolism is used to bring out the deeper emotions and their resemblance of the characters or things, or the objects. Symbolism is one of the main imagery which is used by Fitzgerald in his novel, “The Great Gatsby”, which enhances the reader’s understanding of the novel. Symbolism has contributed in bringing out the main themes of the novel, such as, moral decay, social status, corrupt nature and wealth.
Color imagery is the main aspect of symbolism used in the novel. Color symbolism is used in the novel to represent character’s inner feelings and nature and also the significance of the places or objects. Grey color represents lifelessness and bleakness. It shows the lack of spirit, dullness and boredom. This can be related to the major place used as a symbol of degradation of moral values in the novel, that is, the “valley of ashes”. Valley of ashes resembles desolation, poverty, moral decay, something dark and lifeless and eludes emptiness. The large ash heaps corresponds to grey color, which stands for destruction and death. Also, valley of ashes don’t have high social standards, compared to the other three places which are mentioned in the novel, as it is small filthy, dumping ground for industrial waste. This place is complete contrast to East egg and West egg. But in order to get to New York, the characters from East Egg and West Egg have to betake themselves to this lower status.
Nick remarks for Daisy, “Her voice is full of money………” Money can be related to color yellow. Yellow represents prosperity. But in the novel, Fitzgerald uses yellow color as a symbol of moral decay and corruptness. According to this, we can say that, Daisy being portrayed as pure, fragile and loving character is also corrupted and morally tainted. We come to know about this at the end of the novel, when both Tom and Daisy live the place after Gatsby’s death.
“Gatsby believed in the green light”, this line implies Gatsby’s hopes and desires that he thinks will come...